Senate Health and Human Services Chair comments on state’s improved health ranking

State Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa, issued the following statement regarding Oklahoma’s improved ranking by the United Health Foundation. (Ranked 46th in the nation last year, the report issued Tuesday ranks Oklahoma at 43rd).

“Just three years ago, Oklahoma was ranked 49th by the United Health Foundation in their national report. The fact that in those three years we’ve been able to move to 43rd is proof of our dedication to addressing critical public health concerns. I particularly want to point out the hard work of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

“That said, it is important for us to build on those efforts in the months and years to come. We must continue to raise public awareness about the importance of actively pursuing a healthy lifestyle and help more Oklahomans take advantage of a host of programs created and administered at the state level, whether they are smoking cessation programs, prenatal and parenting programs or other healthy initiatives.”